When It Hits the Fan - The King's Speech

Finding the right words in a high-pressure situation is not easy - especially when the world is watching. But by common consensus, King Charles' speech to Congress was deemed pretty much pitch perfect.

This week, David Yelland and Farzana Baduel take you behind-the-scenes, into the writer's room. Who was involved in crafting the words, how did multiple people feed in and yet make it sound like a singular voice?

They explain why the speech worked for multiple audiences in today's 'fragment economy' - and how difficult themes were smuggled in or glossed over with a specific turn of phrase.

Also, on the extended edition on BBC Sounds, a similar message to the King's use of 'Keep Calm and Carry On'. As the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz continues, there's been a subtle shift in the Don't Panic messaging - both from government and business. As the ripples from the war look set to continue for many months, David and Farzana look at how we're being softened up for longer-term consequences.

And she's the Queen of Country - and it seems, the Queen of PR. Dolly Parton has managed that rare thing - to let her fans down while making them love her even more. She's had to cancel her Las Vegas residency due to ill health, but her video message explaining her decision was pitch perfect.

David and Farzana explain that authenticity is the key - as well as having a lifetime of goodwill to fall back on.

Producer: Duncan Middleton
Editor: Sarah Teasdale
Executive Producer: Eve Streeter
Music by Eclectic Sounds
A Raconteur Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Published on Wednesday, 6th May 2026.

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